The forefather of these lords was the earl of that great
country beyond the Humber; and these in their turn held justly their
father's lands, doing wrong to none. Arthur rendered these brothers
their own, and restored them their heritage. On Urian, as head of his
house, Arthur bestowed the province of Murray, and without fee or
recompense proclaimed him king of that realm. Scotland was given to
Aguisel, who claimed it as his fief. As for Lot, who had the king's
sister to wife, Arthur confirmed him in that kingdom of Lyones, which
he had held for a great while, and gave him many another earldom
besides. This Lot was the father of Gawain, who as yet was a
damoiseau, young and debonair.
When Arthur had settled his realm in peace, righted all wrongs, and
restored the kingdom to its ancient borders, he took to wife a certain
fresh and noble maiden, named Guenevere, making her his queen. This
damsel was passing fair of face and courteous, very gracious of
manner, and come of a noble Roman house. Cador had nourished this lady
long and richly in his earldom of Cornwall. The maiden was the
earl's near cousin, for by his mother he, too, was of Roman blood.
Marvellously dainty was the maiden in person and vesture; right
queenly of bearing, passing sweet and ready of tongue.
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